Paula's Choice 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner Pads vs Paula's Choice 8% AHA Lotion Exfoliant

Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice

A chemical exfoliant built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for controlling oil and refining pores.

A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Chemical exfoliant

8 ingredients

35 ingredients

Brand price

USD 16.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

At a Glance

They come out differently on Silicone-free, Pore-clogger-free and Oil-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid1
The BHA used in acne treatment.
Salicylic Acid

Fatty alcohol2
Waxy fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners; unrelated to drying alcohol.
Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol
Vitamin E2
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic Acid

Hydrating1
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol
Smoothing1
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Salicylic Acid
Acne Fighting1
Helps clear breakouts and keep pores clear.
Salicylic Acid
Oil Control2
Reduces shine and excess sebum.
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Salicylic Acid

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 20

May Trigger Acne3
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis9
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Arachidyl Alcohol, Beheneth-5, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris3
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Show highlights for:

Water
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Glycerin
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Sodium Hydroxide (in both products)
Buffering
0 / —
Beheneth-5
Emulsifying
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dimethicone
Emollient
1 / 0
- Silicones
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →

Each product against its closest dupes.